Woods Lake Campground
Closed — Closed for the season. Open June through October, weather dependent. Due to the 8,200-foot elevation, this is often the last campground in the area to open each season.
Barrett Lake 4 X 4 Trail Motor Vehicle Prohibition
Barrett Lake Jeep trail closed to motor vehicle use in the winter.
Trash service ending for the winter in Crystal Basin on Oct. 20, 2025
Trash service within the Crystal Basin area is ending on Oct. 20, 2025, for the winter season. Please pack-out all trash with you when visiting.
Camping Occupancy Restrictions
Camping and Occupancy Restrictions for Desolation Wilderness, Mokelumne Wilderness and the Pacific Crest Trail that runs through the Eldorado National Forest boundary.
Desolation Wilderness Food and Refuse Storage Restriction
Possessing or storing any food in Desolation Wilderness unless it is in a bear proof container.
Loon Lake Campground and Trailhead are Closed for Reconstruction
The Loon Lake Campground and Trailhead is closed this season for reconstruction. The boatramp is open for day use only though Labor Day weekend and then it will close for construction. The water system will not be operational during this time.
Deer Valley Trail (19E01) & Meadow Lake Road (09N01)
Motor vehicle use restricted in these areas during snowmelt. See Forest Order Exhibit A for area map.
Horse Canyon Trail (17E21) Closure
This order prohibits use of a motorcycle or motor-driven bicycle on this trail.
Occupancy and Use Restrictions - Desolation Wilderness Area
Prohibited acts within Desolation Wilderness.
Travel Management Designation
Routes designated in Travel Management Subpart B are included as part of the current road system.
About
Woods Lake Campground is a tent-only campground nestled among the trees near the summit of Carson Pass at 8,200 feet elevation in the Eldorado National Forest. Due to its high elevation, it is typically the last campground in the area to open each season, with snowmelt determining access. Woods Lake offers excellent opportunities for fishing, swimming, paddleboarding, and non-motorized boating such as kayaking. The pristine alpine setting is surrounded by rugged Sierra peaks, providing stunning scenery for campers. Trails lead directly from the campground into the Mokelumne Wilderness, where free day-use permits are required. Overnight wilderness permits can be obtained at the Carson Pass Information Station during summer months or year-round at the Amador Ranger District office. The campground features vault toilets, drinking water from faucets, picnic tables, fire rings, and bear boxes at each site. Day-use and trailhead parking is managed by Royal Elk Park Management concessionaire, with a $10 fee. The campground is first-come, first-served and fills quickly during peak summer months, particularly July and August.
Directions
From Jackson, travel 63.5 miles east on Highway 88. Turn south onto Woods Lake Road near Carson Pass and continue 2 miles to the campground.
Nearby Campgrounds
Location
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $36 - $72 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (209) 259-3774 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Useful Links
| Woods Lake Campground | |
| View on Recreation.gov |
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